Tag: Personal Skills

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Posted in Uncategorized

What does burnout feel like? 8 signs of burnout to consider

Posted on by tracydee

Signs of burnout may not be so obvious at first. You may have wondered … what does burnout feel like? What are the signs of burnout at work? Always tired? Stressed? Exhausted? If you’re experiencing several of these signs, then it’s possible that you might be experiencing burnout. If there’s someone you know that doesn’t look like they’re enjoying their work anymore – or perhaps it’s you – I’ve put together a list of 8 important signs of burnout to look out for. I’ve certainly been there myself and didn’t realize it until it was too late.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Please seek professional care and advice if you feel you need it.

You’re losing your sense of humor

For people who are high-functioning and have a positive outlook, burnout is often accompanied by a loss of humor. You might start feeling like everything is a drag, even the things that used to make you laugh. You find yourself rolling your eyes at people’s jokes, or just not laughing. This can be a sign that you’re getting burned out on life.

You’re avoiding people

It’s not always easy to tell when you’re burning out, but one of the biggest signs of burnout is that you start avoiding people.

You might find yourself pushing friends and family away or even just avoiding social situations altogether. You might feel like you don’t have anything in common with them anymore, or that they don’t understand what you’re going through.

But the truth is that when we’re burned out, it’s often because we feel so isolated—so alone—and it can be hard to know where to turn for support. That’s why it’s so important to reach out to someone who really cares about you and let them know how much their support means to you!

Indecisive

When you’re burnt out, you may find yourself struggling to make even the simplest decisions—you don’t feel like you have the energy or focus to make the choice, so you just put it off and hope something else comes up.

Decisions that once seemed easy and part of everyday life become chores.

man working using a laptop. Putting his hands on the side of his side to signal signs of burnout
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You lower your standards

When you’re in a state of burnout, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s important to you and what isn’t. You may start to let things slide that were once important—and even things that are important now but not as much as they used to be. It’s like the old saying: if you can’t do it well, then don’t do it at all.

It’s affecting your health

You may be feeling exhausted lately, and it’s not just due to lack of sleep. It seems like you’re simply going through the motions at work, and your home life is being affected as well. You’re finding it hard to eat healthy meals and exercise, which may feel more like an obligation than a desire. 

These are all signs of burnout that should not be ignored. Additionally, you may be experiencing nagging health issues, such as a cough, headache, stomachache, or back pain that doesn’t seem to go away despite getting enough rest and nourishment. It’s important to take a step back and evaluate your lifestyle to make necessary changes before it’s too late.

When I was in the midst of burnout, my stomach always felt uncomfortable no matter what I did. It wasn’t until I stopped and took a number of things off my plate that I started to improve. 

You’re experiencing mood swings

Mood swings can be an early warning of signs of burnout. If you’re experiencing mood swings, it might mean that you’re feeling more irritable than usual and are reacting more strongly to things that would normally be minor annoyances. Your mood swings could also be in response to the stress of work, which can happen when you’re not taking time to rest or care for yourself properly.

If this is happening to you, try to stay calm and keep your cool whenever possible. It’s also important to remind yourself that this is normal—it happens to everyone!

You feel helpless and hopeless

Experiencing burnout can make you feel like there’s no way out. However, it’s important to know that this feeling is quite common. Remember that these emotions are temporary and will eventually fade away. Don’t lose hope.

You don’t enjoy the things you used to

It’s common for changes to occur in our lives, which can manifest in various ways. Perhaps you used to enjoy socializing with friends but now prefer to stay home. Alternatively, you may have once been the life of the party but now shy away from the dance floor and avoid eye contact with others. Some of these evolutions are a normal part of growing and evolving, but some can represent a drastic change. 

You may have also noticed a shift in your music preferences or a decrease in energy levels when it comes to exercise. When something feels off in your life, it’s crucial to reflect on why that might be happening and take steps to address it. 

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What can you do if you’re experiencing signs of burnout?

It’s important to take the time to address your emotional well-being, both as a worker and as a person in general. When you do that—when you slow down and devote yourself to self-care—you’re creating a space for the rest of your life to flourish. You’re taking steps towards a meaningful existence, and you won’t regret those decisions.

Note: AI tools were used in the process of creating this article, which is for informational purposes only.

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Posted in Goal, Mindset

6 Ways To Find Writing Inspiration

Posted on by tracydee

Are you struggling to find writing inspiration?

Many of us feel like we’re severely lacking in the creativity department, especially when it comes to writing. The truth is that inspiration—and making it last—is a skill that can be learned, which will make your blog even more amazing. It just takes the right tools and approach.

1. Keep a specific book of notes

Keep a notebook on hand for when you’re feeling uninspired or bored. When something catches your eye or makes you think of a new project idea, write it down so that later on you can go back and look at it as inspiration. This could be something as simple as calling someone up or taking some photos at an event; it doesn’t have to be anything formal or grandiose.

The point is that by keeping track of these little things throughout your day, you’ll have something to refer back to when you’re stuck on what to do next. I often do this on my iPhone through the notes app and either voice record or type what inspires me in the moment.

2. Find out what inspires people you admire

The most obvious way to get inspired is to look at people who are already doing what you want to do. If you’re an aspiring writer, read books by authors whose work is similar to yours. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, study successful entrepreneurs and try to understand what makes them tick.

3. Read as much as you can, from different genres and subjects

The more you read, the more likely you are to come across something that inspires you. Plus reading teaches us about other cultures and periods in history—which can lead us to new ideas for our own work.

woman with writing in a calendar and beige colour samples on white table. writing inspiration
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4. Writing inspiration comes from writing about the things that inspire you

In my experience, writing is the best way to tap into your creative side and free yourself up to explore new ideas. The more you write, the better you get at it.

It’s like anything else—if you practice enough, eventually you’ll start getting better results. And there’s no right or wrong way to do it either! You can write about anything from your favorite band’s latest album all the way down to what happened at work yesterday afternoon. The point is: just write!

5. Don’t just wait for writing inspiration to hit you—go looking for inspiration in everyday life

Inspiration is all around us and we’re too busy to notice it most of the time. Look at art, listen to music, travel, read books, and blogs or go see movies or plays—and then let those experiences inspire creativity in your own life.

photo of stream during daytime. writing inspiration
Photo by Michael Block on Pexels.com

6. Make sure you give yourself the chance to be inspired by regularly taking time out and doing something that makes you happy

It doesn’t have to be a big thing; just a walk outside or spending 10 minutes reading a book will do wonders for your creativity. If you’re not doing something that makes you happy, it’s going to be hard for you to get inspired by anything else.

Takeaway

The best way to make writing inspiration stick is to be proactive about it. Learn how to make the most of your inspirations when they happen, so that you can get down and work on your creative work before it vanishes.

And, by all means, don’t let inspiration itself stop you. You’ll always have options on how to take a nugget and develop it into something more substantial—often many more than you realize at first.

Of course, if writing inspiration isn’t happening for you, that can be OK too; just know that there are plenty of other ways you can find your next big idea.

positive black teacher pointing at tasks on whiteboard
Posted in Mindset

What Is Professional Development & Why You Need It To Succeed

Posted on by tracydee

The Definition of Professional Development

What Is Professional Development?

Professional development is a way for employees to grow and improve their skills by participating in an activity that will help them gain more knowledge or improve their performance.

It can be formal or informal, offered by the organization or outside sources. Professional development can take place on the job, off the job, or both.

Professional development is a process that helps you grow and improve in your career. It’s designed to help you gain new skills, knowledge, and experience so that you can keep up with the rapidly changing world of work.

photo of woman wearing eyeglasses. what is professional development
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Reasons You Need Professional Development

If you want to be successful, you need to invest in yourself. And that means making time for professional development.

Not only is it important to understand what is professional development, we also need to know the why. There are several reasons why:

1. To stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies

2. To learn a new skill that will help you grow your business or career

3. To learn from other experts who have experience in the field you’re interested in

Benefits of Professional Development

Again, what is professional development worth?

Here are some of the benefits that come with participating in professional development:

1) It shows commitment to your career. When you take time out of your day to learn something new or improve on something that already works well, it indicates an investment in your career path and an interest in growing professionally.

This is especially important if you’re looking for a promotion or applying for a job elsewhere because employers want to see that potential employees aren’t just looking for any job—they’re looking for a position where they can grow and advance over time.

2) Professional development helps you grow as a professional by helping you learn new skills and acquire knowledge about different areas within your industry (or even outside of it).

These skills will give you more options when deciding how best to handle certain situations or challenges that arise at work—and they’ll also come in handy when seeking out new opportunities!

group of people on conference room. what is professional development.
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Examples of Professional Development Opportunities

Professional development can take many forms including:

• Training courses – these may be provided by your employer or an external provider

• Reading books and articles

• Networking with colleagues

• Working on a project related to your job role

• Volunteering with local charities or community groups

• Taking part in an industry-related conference or workshop

Takeaway: Professional development is crucial for your career

What is professional development going to do for your career? By taking the time to work toward furthering your professional development, you will be preparing yourself for an exciting career in the future.

In other words, career growth can’t happen without the right amount of personal investment on your part. It will take some time and effort to cultivate your skills, but it is well worth it if you want to enjoy a long and successful career.

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Posted in Uncategorized

8 Ways To Learn To Love Yourself

Posted on by tracydee

Learning how to love yourself can be a difficult task. Most people are taught from a young age that self-love is selfish. Sometimes we just need a little help and direction on how to love ourselves as much as we love others.

I’m on this journey right there with you!

Accept the fact that you are your own person

You can’t be anyone else, and you can’t force yourself to change who you are. But that’s actually a good thing—it means that if you want to learn to love yourself, it’s going to have to come from inside of you, not from any external source. That’s why it’s so important for us to learn how to accept ourselves as we are and appreciate our strengths and weaknesses.

Talk positively to yourself

You may not think it, but you’re your own biggest critic. You’re always telling yourself that you aren’t good enough or that you need to improve, but the truth is that you are amazing just as you are. So next time a negative thought pops into your head, tell yourself instead how great you are!

person woman relaxation sitting. love yourself
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com

Let go of the toxic people in your life and focus on being happy with just you, for you

There are millions of people in the world who are ready to love and accept you for exactly who you are, and there’s no reason to spend your time pining over someone else when there are so many more deserving people out there waiting for a chance to show you how much they care about you.

Take a compliment

When someone gives you a compliment, don’t brush it off or make excuses. Accept it, and be grateful for it! The more you accept compliments, the easier it will become to believe them yourself.

Stop comparing yourself to others

We all do it. It’s practically a human instinct. But it can be so damaging for your self-esteem and your relationships with other people when you’re always looking at them and wishing you were like them.

It’s important to remember that just because someone else is taller or shorter than you, or has a different hair color, or likes different music than you do, or thinks differently about things, that doesn’t make them better or worse than you! It just makes them different. And that’s okay!

They are a part of the world and they deserve love just as much as anyone else does. So next time you catch yourself feeling jealous of someone else, try reminding yourself of this fact instead: everyone deserves love; even if they’re not exactly like me!

Go Easy On Yourself

It’s hard to love yourself when you’re constantly beating yourself up, right? So work on being kinder to yourself. That doesn’t mean you don’t set high standards for yourself or that you reward yourself with something small like a piece of chocolate every time you do something good—it means that even when things go wrong, you can accept that as part of life and try again. And if something good happens, don’t let it go to your head—just appreciate it fully and then move on.

You are not the thoughts in your head

This is a very important fact to remember as you learn to love yourself. You are not the thoughts that run through your head, and you don’t have to be defined by them.

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that we are our thoughts and feelings—especially if those thoughts and feelings have been negative for a long time. But it’s important to remember that these things can change, and soon enough, you’ll find yourself looking back on them with a laugh at how silly they seemed at the time!

Write down all the things you like about yourself

1. Start small.

Don’t try to write down every single thing you like about yourself. Just start with a few things that come to mind, and make sure they’re not just “I’m smart” or “I’m pretty.” Try to say something more specific, like “I’m good at making people laugh,” or “I’m really good at cooking.”

woman in brown shirt sitting on a concrete surface while writing on a notebook. love yourself
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2. Add details

Start with the basics, but then add more details to make it feel more real: “My favorite color is blue, and I love how it looks on me!” or “I have a dog named Lucky who is always happy to see me.”

3. Remember what makes you special

When you find yourself feeling down on yourself, remember all of the things that make you special—they’ll help keep you going!

Remember – learning to love yourself might not happen overnight

Loving yourself is an ongoing process, one that takes time, patience, and strength; however, this is a worthwhile goal that everyone should strive for. Trust me, I’m a work in progress myself!

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Posted in Goal, Mindset, productivity

Maximize Your Potential Right Now: The 6 Powerful Questions To Ask Yourself Every Day

Posted on by tracydee

I want you to succeed and maximize your potential. There I said it. Sure, you might think I’m just some anonymous person on the internet who is wasting their time writing this guide, but that’s not it. I want you to be better than yesterday and make your life an adventure.

The only way that can happen is if you are constantly suggesting to yourself that today will be different. It may sound cheesy, but changing your mindset is the most important part of maximizing your potential.

I’m a big believer in the power of questions. They’re a powerful tool for self-reflection, learning, and improvement.

So here are 6 questions to ask yourself to get you thinking about how you can maximize your potential

What matters most to me, and how am I doing on that front?

This is one of my favorite questions because it helps me zero in on what truly matters most to me. And once you know what’s important, it’s easier to make decisions about how you spend your time and energy.

This is a tough question, but it’s a great starting point. It forces you to take a step back and look at your life. What matters most to me? What am I working towards? How am I doing on that front?

If you’re like most people, you probably have multiple answers to that question. But if you ask yourself this question every day and really think about it, then you’ll start to see the patterns in your life. You’ll begin to understand what’s important to you and why it’s important.

Once you know what matters most to you, then it becomes easier to make better decisions about how to spend your time and energy each day. If something isn’t getting done or isn’t working out as well as it should be, then it might be time for a change or recalibration of some sort.

maximize your potential
Photo by Ann poan on Pexels.com

What’s my highest-leverage activity, and what is absolutely required for me to accomplish it?

The highest-leverage activity is the thing that will give you the most return on your time and energy.

The goal is to focus on doing that one thing first, then move on to the next thing, and so on.

The key is to identify the activities that generate results and move them higher in priority while eliminating those activities that don’t add value.

One way to identify your highest-leverage activity and maximize your potential is to use the Eisenhower matrix.

What am I committed to doing today?

What am I committed to doing today?

It’s a simple question, and yet it’s one that many people never ask themselves.

I’m not talking about what you should do — that’s easy. I’m talking about what you’re committed to doing.

Why is this important? Because if you want to maximize your potential, then you need to be clear about what you’re going to commit to doing each day. If a person isn’t clear about what he or she wants, then there’s no way they’ll ever get it!

Think about it: If someone doesn’t know where they’re going, how can they possibly get there?

And we often say yes to things way too quickly. It’s okay to wait and give new commitments a thought before saying yes or no.

How will I know when my day is a success?

The answer to that question is not as obvious as it may seem. If you’re like most people, you probably have a general idea about what makes a day successful. But there are many ways to define success.

Success could be defined by the number of hours you worked or the amount of money you made. Or it could be defined by the quality of your work, the relationships you built with your coworkers, or even by how well you managed your time and energy.

It’s important to understand that there are different measures for success in each area of life: work, family, friendships, and so on. When we’re able to measure our successes against our own personal benchmarks — instead of comparing ourselves against others — we can better identify our strengths and weaknesses.

If you can do that, then you can maximize your potential in all areas of life!

What do I need to do to ensure that I can enter this day refreshed and recharged?

Some suggestions:

1. Wake up early.

It’s a lot easier to start your day when you’re already awake than when you’re trying to drag yourself out of bed.

2. Exercise or meditate before work.

If you find that you’re always tired at work, try exercising or meditating in the morning before heading into the office or school. This will help boost your energy levels throughout the day and give you more focus and clarity when it’s time to get down to business.

3. Get enough sleep every night.

Sleep is important for everyone, but it’s especially necessary for those who want to maximize their potential in life and their career. Research has shown that sleeping too little or too much can lead to health problems and poor performance at work, so make sure that you get at least 7 hours of sleep per night — preferably 8 — if possible!

4. Start your day with positive thoughts and affirmations about what you want in life rather than focusing on what’s wrong with things or people around you (even if they do irritate you).

How will I track what I’m doing so I can make improvements over time?

If you want to maximize your potential, you need to engage in the process of making deliberate and thoughtful choices about how you spend your time. It’s not just about what you accomplish, but how you accomplish it.

If you want to maximize your potential in life, you need to be intentional about how you spend your days. And if you’re like most people, this can be a challenge. We live in an era where it’s easy to lose track of what we’re doing and why we’re doing it — especially when we have so many options available to us at any given moment.

One way I’ve found helpful is tracking what I’m doing so that I can make improvements over time. If you have a smartphone, there are plenty of apps out there that will help keep track of what you’re doing each day (Google Calendar is one example).

You can also use pen and paper or even sign up for a free service like Trello or Asana to keep track of your activities and projects. You don’t need fancy tools — just something that works for you!

Final Thoughts

Maximizing your potential is a very personal journey. It takes a great deal of introspection and self-awareness to identify the most important things that matter to you.

But there are some common themes that can be identified.

If you are going to maximize your potential, you must be willing to sacrifice some things in order to achieve others. For example, if you are willing to give up one hour of sleep per night in order to spend more time with family and friends, then that’s something worth doing.

If you’re willing to choose a career that pays less but allows more flexibility so that you can spend more time with family and friends, then that’s something worth doing too.

Some people want to maximize their potential by becoming rich; others want to maximize their potential by doing something meaningful; still others want both.

The important thing is not how much money or meaning you get from life; it’s how much happiness those things give you. And happiness is quite subjective — what makes one person happy might not make another person happy at all.

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Posted in Goal, Manifestation, Mindset

12 Simple And Totally Weird Confidence Building Exercises

Posted on by tracydee

Do you really need confidence building exercises?

Some people seem to be born with a high level of confidence, but for the rest of us, it’s something that must be earned and constantly developed. When you start thinking negatively about yourself, it’s hard to convince yourself otherwise.

You need to go beyond positive thinking and really believe that what you’re saying is true. If you aren’t sure how to get started with this, consider working through these 12 simple activities.

Compliment a stranger

It might feel awkward, but it will make you feel good. When people hear compliments, it makes them feel good about themselves and about the world around them. You never know where your compliment may go; it could end up back in your lap! This is one of the most fun confidence building exercises.

confidence building exercises
Photo by Diego Ramirez on Pexels.com

Stand up straight

Stand up straight and tall with your shoulders back. Hold this position for a few seconds. Let go, relax and repeat. Of the confidence building exercises, this one will help you feel more confident because it makes you feel like you’re on top of things.

Talk to yourself

When we’re alone, it’s easy to talk to ourselves. We may think that talking to ourselves is a sign of being crazy, but there are many benefits of talking to yourself. This may sound like one of the weirder confidence building exercises.

When you talk about your problems and concerns with yourself, you can find solutions for them easily. You can’t solve a problem until you know what it is and have identified the root cause. When we talk about our problems with others, they give us suggestions or advice that doesn’t always help us solve our problems.

Talking to yourself gives you an opportunity to analyze your situation from different perspectives and come up with unique solutions that would never occur to anyone else.

Make eye contact with people you make purchases from or talk to throughout the day (barista, cashier, etc)

It’s an easy way to start small and build up your confidence. The first time I did this I was surprised at how many people looked away as soon as they saw me looking at them! It was kind of embarrassing but also helped me realize that people aren’t always looking at you because they hate you — it’s just human nature.

Call a business and ask to speak to someone you admire

This one is totally easy and one of the most surprisingly effective confidence building exercises. Find someone who inspires you and call their office. Tell them who you are, what you do, and ask if they would be willing to meet up over coffee or drinks sometime soon. Even if they say no, this exercise is great for building confidence because it teaches us that rejection isn’t scary — it’s just part of life. This exercise makes the top of the list of confidence building exercises.

confidence building exercises
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com

Smile at everyone you see for an entire day

Smiling is one of the most powerful ways to boost your self-esteem and happiness. It also helps other people feel good, too! So when you smile at someone as they walk by on the street or in an elevator, they’re more likely to smile back at you and it creates a positive feedback loop. This positive feedback loop is an excellent addition to your confidence building exercises.

Listen to music that makes you happy and energetic

Music has an amazing power to influence moods and emotions. So crank up the tunes and dance around like nobody’s watching! This can be a great way to get yourself in the mood for an upcoming event where you want to feel confident and energized. Right before I defended my dissertation, I had a mini-dance party on Zoom with some friends!

Unfollow people on social media who make you feel bad about yourself

Social media can be a great way to stay connected with friends, but it also has the potential to make us feel like crap about ourselves. If you’re feeling down on yourself, take some time to unfollow people who post things that make you feel bad or insecure.

Wear a super confident outfit

Dress up in something that makes you feel good about yourself. The more comfortable you are, the more confident you’ll be.

Make a list of all your accomplishments

Write down all the things you’ve accomplished in life, whether it’s getting good grades or achieving a certain goal at work or school. Be sure to include big wins as well as small ones, because even if you don’t feel confident about yourself right now, there’s no doubt that you have some amazing qualities and abilities!

Do something small and silly to embarrass yourself on purpose

You’re going to do something small and silly to embarrass yourself on purpose.

You’re going to do it in front of a mirror, so you can see exactly how you look as you do it.

You’re going to make a fool of yourself and then laugh at yourself for doing so.

Why? Because we all want to be confident in our own skin. Sometimes, we get caught up in thinking about how others see us, instead of just being ourselves.

This exercise is designed to help you overcome that fear, and remind yourself that there’s nothing wrong with being who you are — even if it means making a fool of yourself every now and then!

Compliment yourself every day for a week

Start by looking in the mirror and saying something positive about yourself out loud. Then make a habit of doing this every morning and evening, no matter how hard it feels at first. It’s best if you begin with one-word compliments, such as “I’m smart” or “I’m funny”. Once you’ve gotten used to this exercise it’s time to go bigger! Try complimenting yourself on more than just one aspect of yourself each day until eventually, you’re confident enough to say nice things about all aspects of your personality.

Final thoughts on confidence building exercises

By consistently striving to improve yourself, or just small bits at a time, you will begin to feel better about yourself in the long run. You’ll have a better sense of who you are, and that is the first step toward becoming a better person. So what’s the next step? Start trying out some of these weird exercises to learn more about yourself and remember that no one else can do them for you.

Posted in productivity

How To Increase Productivity By Eliminating Distractions Today

Posted on by tracydee

Eliminating distractions is important and difficult. One of the hardest parts of starting a new project is getting in the zone. We all have distractions that prevent us from focusing on the task at hand. This makes it hard to get anything done. We’re going to show you how to increase productivity by eliminating distractions and staying focused.

Eliminating distractions: Turn off notifications on your devices

Turn off notifications on your devices. You don’t need to know every time someone likes your Instagram post or retweets your tweet.

Turn off the ringer on your phone so you’re not interrupted by incoming calls or messages. When people call or text, they assume you’re free to talk to them at any time. When they don’t hear back from you right away, they’ll be more likely to leave a voicemail or text message than call again. And you’ll save battery life!

Eliminating distractions: Block distracting websites with a website blocker app or browser extension

Use a website blocker app or browser extension. You can block distracting websites with a website blocker app or browser extensions such as Freedom (for Macs) or SelfControl for Macs or PCs. These apps and extensions will prevent you from visiting specific websites for as long as you choose — up to 24 hours. If you try to visit the site while it’s blocked, you’ll be greeted with an error message that prevents further access until the time period is over.

Eliminating distractions: Don’t open multiple tabs at once

Don’t open multiple tabs at once. When you open several tabs in your browser, it’s easy to lose track of what you were doing or what page you were on. Keep track of what you have open by using one tab at a time. Close all other tabs except for the one where you are working. It will help keep you focused on what needs to get done right now and prevent distractions from popping up while you’re trying to work on something else.

Or, utilize the tab grouping feature in Chrome or Safari:

eliminating distractions

Eliminating distractions: Don’t multitask and get organized

Don’t multitask: Multitasking is a myth. When you try to do two things at once, you actually focus on neither. Instead, take the time to complete one task before moving on to the next.

Get organized: This can mean different things for different people, but if you aren’t sure where to start, try creating an inbox of all your emails and tasks. Create folders or labels for each project, then file away any emails that don’t need immediate attention away into those folders or labels so they don’t clutter up your inbox anymore. Make sure you have a notebook or planner where you can write down ideas or tasks as they come up throughout the day so they don’t get lost in the shuffle either!

Eliminating distractions: Use a writing system to take notes and make to-do lists

Use a writing system to take notes and make to-do lists. In Paperless Way, I recommend using a writing system like Bullet Journaling or Getting Things Done (GTD). These systems help organize your thoughts and ideas so that you can focus on the task at hand.

Eliminating distractions: Take breaks regularly and reward yourself for staying focused

Take breaks regularly and reward yourself for staying focused. Breaks are important because they give your brain time to rest and recharge. Taking a break will help you avoid burnout and increase your overall productivity throughout the day.

For example, if you have a meeting scheduled for 2 p.m., take a 15-minute walk around the office or do something fun that helps you relax before returning to work. Reward yourself with a treat or special activity after you’ve worked for two hours straight.

Takeaway: Stay focused on the task at hand by using these tips to eliminate distractions.

dawn couple love people
Posted in Goal

How can setting goals help you in the long term? 5 things to consider now

Posted on by tracydee

You may have wondered, how can setting goals help you in the long term? I use goal-setting methods for my own life in every setting. It allows me to have my goals in front of me throughout the year, so I can see what steps I need to take next, and provides an outline to follow if I change my goals.  

Goal setting also allows me to reexamine what I am doing and make changes if something isn’t working.  The year is long enough to get a lot of things done, so let’s look at some ways you can use goal setting throughout the year and beyond!

Clarifying what you want brings clarity to your life

How can setting goals help you in the long term when it comes to gaining clarity?

This is the first step in setting goals. It is a process of defining, refining and prioritizing what you want. This clarification process can be done alone or with a friend or coach. It is important that you are honest and objective with yourself during this process, as it will help you achieve the results that you desire.

The second step is setting specific, measurable, achievable and timely goals. These goals should be tied to your vision statement and be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic (and) Time-bound.

The third step is creating an action plan that includes steps to achieve each goal with dates/time frames for completion. For example: “By March 1st I will have successfully completed my first fitness test at boot camp (specific).”

How can setting goals help you in the long term?
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Goals help you to find purpose and meaning in your work and life

How can setting goals help you in the long term when it comes to finding purpose and meaning?

When people talk about goals, they often think of them in terms of productivity and achievement. But there’s another way to think about them: as a way to find direction and purpose in life. This is especially true for people who feel that their work is meaningless or unfulfilling.

Goals can help you find purpose and meaning in your work and life because they make it easier for you to understand what success means to you. Once you know what success looks like, then it becomes easier to make decisions about how you spend your time and effort.

This doesn’t mean that everyone should set goals — sometimes it’s better not to have any particular destination in mind when doing something. But if it works for you, then setting goals can be an important tool for finding fulfillment in your work

You’ll challenge yourself to grow as you pursue goals

How can setting goals help you in the long term and help you grow?

Setting goals is one of the most powerful tools we have to shape our lives and make them more meaningful. They can help us reach our full potential, achieve greater success, and feel more fulfilled in our lives.

When you set goals, you’re telling yourself that “this is what I want.” And by doing so, you’re giving yourself permission to move towards it. You’re giving yourself permission to take action on what matters most to you in life.

But if you don’t know where you’re going, how will anyone else?

Setting goals leads to more success

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to accomplish more than others? It’s not because they’re smarter, have more money or are better at hiding their flaws.

The answer lies in their approach to life. They have a habit of setting goals and achieving them.

Setting goals is one of the most important habits you can develop if you want to succeed in any area of life, whether it’s career, health or finances.

Having a specific goal helps you focus on what matters most, instead of getting overwhelmed by all the things that you could be doing.

black and white dartboard. how can setting goals help you in the long term
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Goals can keep you motivated

How can setting goals help you in the long term when it comes to motivation?

Setting goals is a great way to stay motivated. Progressing towards a goal provides a sense of accomplishment, and it shows you what areas of your life need improvement. If you set a goal that is too big and hard to reach, it can actually be counterproductive because it will just cause you to feel overwhelmed. It’s important to set realistic goals that you can achieve with time and effort. You should also set short-term goals so that you have something to work towards in the short run as well as long-term ones for the future.

So, how can setting goals help you in the long term?

If you want to achieve something in life, setting goals and working towards them is the first step. If you really want something bad enough, go after it. Don’t give up easily. Be hard-working and diligent, but most of all, do the research and don’t be afraid to ask for help. And maintain this mindset because your goals will change over time.

Setting reasonable goals and working towards them can help you stay motivated and see your long-term vision in a clearer, more structured light. Setting goals forces you to be organized, systematic, and analytical in a way that isn’t always natural—but it’s also worth the effort.

Posted in Goal, productivity

Creative Ways To Increase Your Productivity Working From Home

Posted on by tracydee

If you want to increase productivity working from home, and find more ways to earn income working from home, there are a lot of things that you need to know.

Being able to work from home can be a dream for some and a nightmare for others. While working from home can promote increased productivity, many struggle to stay focused and on task.

Use the 50-10 Rule

When you’re working from home, it’s easy to get distracted by all the things that are going on around you: The television is on in the other room, there’s a dog barking outside, or someone is knocking at the door. To help stay focused on your work, use the 50-10 rule. Set an alarm for 50 minutes. When it goes off, take a ten-minute break before starting another 50-minute stint of work. This will keep you on track without feeling like you’re being regimented by an employer who expects you to sit at your desk all day long.

The Power Hour

The idea behind The Power Hour is to set aside a specific time period each day where you do nothing but work on one project. This can be very helpful if you have multiple projects that need to be completed, or if you feel like you never seem to get anything done because there are so many distractions.

The Power Hour should be scheduled at the same time every day (e.g., 9am-10am). You can use this time however you wish; it could be for one project only or for multiple projects. Just make sure that you stick with the same time slot every day so that it becomes part of your routine! This can help productivity working from home.

productivity working from home
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Know When to Stop Working

If you’re going to work from home, it’s important to set boundaries. You might not want to get up at 6 a.m., but if that’s what your job requires, then do it! Learn how to say no when necessary and don’t feel guilty about it either! If your boss is asking for something unreasonable, then explain why it isn’t possible for you at this time and ask if there’s anything else that could be done instead.

Designate a Workspace

One of the biggest challenges of increasing productivity working from home is keeping yourself away from distractions. If there are too many distractions around, it can be very difficult to get anything done.

To help with this problem, I recommend that you designate a workspace where you will spend most of your time working. This may be an office or another room where there isn’t much going on besides work—or it could be as simple as setting up a desk in a quiet corner of your house.

Make To-Do Lists and Prioritize

To-do lists are great for keeping track of everything that needs to get done. The key is to make sure you’re prioritizing them so the most important stuff gets done first.

If you have several tasks that need to be completed by the end of the day, break them down into smaller chunks and prioritize each one based on how much time it will take or how important it is in relation to other projects. This way, when things go wrong or you get distracted by something else, you’ll know exactly where to go back to pick up where you left off.

Reward Yourself for Accomplishments

If you have a hard time staying motivated while working from home, try rewarding yourself for accomplishments instead of setting goals for how much work you want to accomplish each day or week. For example, if you finish writing an article or book chapter without procrastinating too much, reward yourself with a nice dinner out or a trip to the movies with friends. Don’t wait until the end of the month or year either — reward yourself as soon as possible after accomplishing something important!

Takeaway
These are a few techniques that can increase your productivity working from home.

Posted in Goal, productivity

17 Inspiring Productivity Quotes To Kick You Into Gear

Posted on by tracydee

Many productivity quotes exist that give you the motivation to get work done. These quotes can serve as a good reminder of why you’re doing what you’re doing, and that you’re not alone. Here are 17 motivational productivity quotes that will keep you focused and determined.

Productivity Quotes

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” -Walt Disney

“Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” William Penn

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” —Zig Ziglar

“Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.” – Napoleon Hill

“No matter what the scale of your dream is, the way you get there is the same—one day at a time of focused activity.” – Greg Reid

“Your mind is for having ideas, not holding them.” ― David Allen, Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity

“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” – Stephen Covey

productivity quotes
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“Never confuse motion with action.” – Ernest Hemingway

“Focus on being productive instead of busy.” – Tim Ferriss

“The tragedy in life doesn’t lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach.” – Benjamin Mays

“Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you’ll be able to see further.” – Thomas Carlyle

“We all have 24-hour days. It’s just that some people use their 24 hours more productively than others.” – Rick Warren

“You may delay, but time will not.” – Benjamin Franklin

“Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.” – Stephen King

“Most of us spend too much time on what is urgent and not enough time on what is important.” – Stephen Covey

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into smaller manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” — Mark Twain

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – Chinese proverb

A lot of people get caught up in their busy schedules, but don’t have time for the things that matter. Sure, it can be tough to strike a balance between work and play, but there are ways to help you do just that—like using these productivity quotes.